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Old 05-07-2005, 02:34 PM   #1
MovieStar
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Default How is the Community?

Hey guys, I live in Los Angeles and am seriously looking into moving to the area. I just want to get some feedback from some of you on how you like it out there. Thanks a lot.
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Old 05-07-2005, 06:24 PM   #2
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Default Very different than LA, but great

There are many special places between LA and the lakes region of NH, but this is definitely one place to check out. Watch the movie "On Golden Pond". It captures the attitude and pace pretty well. Close to Boston if you want a city. Close to the ocean with a rocky coastline. Maine is close by, and even NH has 18 miles of coastline. Lots of mountains with dense woods - but much lower altitude than those in the west. NH has people with a wide range of economic status that live together quite well. The lack of an income tax keeps people around with high incomes, and the lack of a sales tax helps those with lower incomes. Ethnically, mostly white with a strong hint of French Canadian. The summers are fairly cool - mid 80's on a good day, maybe 10 days in the 90's per summer, and only a few days with high-humidity. Cool nights. The fall is unique - famous for tree colors and cool temperatures. Spring is a challenge - for example, this year, we've had four rainy weekends in a row. Today, mid-May, it is in the 40's, raining, and the leaves have not yet come out on the trees. The ice doesn't leave the lake till mid-April. And then, there are the bugs. Black flies and mosquitoes via for the title of the state bird. Summer takes forever to come - which is why we like it so much. Winters are cold and snowy. The lake is frozen and safe from shortly after New Years day until well into March. If you like winter, NH has a good one - but, you will see temperatures around zero in the winter almost as much as you see 90's in the summer. I've been all over the place and wouldn't live anywhere else.
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Old 05-07-2005, 07:33 PM   #3
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If you tell us what you are hoping to find with a move to New England, we can probably better guide you. You have obviously seen the beauty of the lakes region. Will this be a seasonal home for you? Are you a boater,a snow skier, a hiker? It's a very different lifestyle from LA. No matter where you live in the country, there are trade-offs. Prioritize your needs and we'll all be happy to give you our unsolicited two cents.
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Old 05-07-2005, 08:42 PM   #4
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Thumbs up This community IS a community!

You ask "how is the community" and to answer I feel I must give you the perspective of a transplant.

I moved here nearly fourteen years ago, leaving behind my city life in Philadelphia. My first year here I wondered what had I done to myself. I went from earning a very handsome salary, to nearly having my car repossessed. Eventually I came to realize that although my earnings were now meager, my quality of life was vastly improved! Instead of passing folks on the street all rushing to get somewhere, I was now smiling at strangers and waving to neighbors I'd never met. Instead of smelling refineries and traffic, I was waking to the aroma of lilacs or pine trees. Instead of sirens at night, I go to sleep to the sound of tree frogs out back.

I've discovered that people here actually care about one another - genuinely and deeply. I have far more friends here - real friends - than in all my previous years in Philadelphia or those spent in the Marines. Priorities are different here. No one cares if your curtains match your sofa. No one cares what you drive or whether your house is large or small. People here care about what's in your heart, not what kind of diploma is on your office wall. People here come to the aid of each other in times of need. People here ARE a community.

We don't have much ethnic diversity here, but we have a rich diversity in lifestyle. Our population runs the gamut of economic status. All have one thing in common - a love for the beauty of this area.

I wouldn't go back to Philadelphia for all the money in the world. Here I have found home, in a wonderful community.

I hope this is what you were looking for. If not, pose some direct questions and we'll all be happy to answer!!!!!!!!
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Old 05-08-2005, 10:45 AM   #5
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I'm moving to Wolfeboro from outside Philadelphia this summer(thanks, Pepper, for that pep talk - now I'm sure I've made the right decision!) and am extremely excited about it. There is peace and quiet there that you don't find in the suburbs. If you love the lakes region then chances are, you'll be happy there.
good luck!
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Old 05-08-2005, 01:18 PM   #6
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Default LA vs. Lake

Massive, huge, total, incredible contrast to Los Angeles...that's for sure.
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Old 05-09-2005, 03:32 AM   #7
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Default Thanks guys

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate it. I used to live in Colorado and I miss the beauty of the outdoors. However the one drawback to Colorado is that there is no water. So the Lake would be a welcomed change. It will also be nice to get out of "Beautiful" Hollywood.
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Old 05-09-2005, 05:28 AM   #8
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Everyone has done such a nice job describing the lakes region....now let me tell you what we DON'T have...........Hurricanes,major forrest fires,mudslides,tornado's,earthquakes(other than a tiny rumble)poisonous snakes and insects,animals that can eat you.Life is good!
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Old 05-09-2005, 08:23 AM   #9
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One of the other factors you should consider is which end of the Lake you decide to live on. There is a pretty big difference between the north vs. the south side. The Lake is big and it takes about an hour to drive from the south to the north regardless if you go clockwise or counterclockwise. This has caused a very different life north vs. south. The southern part of the Lake is dominated by Laconia and Gilford and of course Weir's Beach. This area can be very touristy and much more populated. Though there are no chain hotels, there are the requisite Wendy's, McDonalds, Burger King, etc.

The northern end of the lake has a much more quiet atmosphere, especially in the towns of Moultonborough and Tuftonborough. Populations are sparse and there are no chain restaurants. In fact, in Tuftonborough there are no sit-down restaurants that I can think of and only one gas station (and that is for boats). But just 6 miles or so to the East is the lovely hamlet of Wolfeboro. A bit more populated than the other two towns, it has all the amenities needed for quiet living including a hospital. It has a bunch of excellent restaurants and even a Dunkin Donuts (much to the chagrin of many residents). Many still don't know how that one slipped through.

With a 45 minute drive north from that part of the lake you will be in the midst of ski country. The mountains are beautiful anytime of the year starting with the Ossipee mountains then the White Mountains and the Mt. Washington Valley. Great skiing, snowmobiling and high property values.

If you are evaluating the Lakes region as a possible location, keep in mind that there are big difference in the various towns. But the one thing we all have in common is our beautiful Lake. If you are fortunate enough to have the resources, building or buying on the water is as good as it gets. But if that is not possible, a leased or purchased dock at one of the marinas gets you out there whenever you want. My favorite time is at dusk, especially Sunday night through Thursday night. A short, slow cruise with good friends or your honey and an appreciation of the beauty around you is the best way to reduce the stress of life regardless of where you live. Shut off the enginge and listen for the sounds of the loons or the "slappage" on your hull. Ahhh..., I'm not out there yet???
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Old 05-09-2005, 03:14 PM   #10
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Years ago, I had a choice of staying in NJ (ugh), moving to NH, or moving West; I chose moving West (Portland, Oregon).

I fly east most years, and spend time on the Big Lake with family.

My bi-coastal experiences lead me to conclude as follows:

NH is nice, IF you either arrive with money, OR arrive with a readily marketable job skill; otherwise, expect rougher sledding than in other parts of the country, e.g. Pacific NW.

One difference you ("Movie Star": love that moniker) will note is that people in NH don't move nearly as often as west coasters do; this leads to a stronger sense of community and attachment, and is what lets the uniquely New England governmental entity of Town Meeting to succeed.

There are dang few places to get a good cup of coffee in NH: Black Cat in Laconia is OK, Starbucks in Manchester airport is better.

The dreck they serve in Dunkin Donuts is truly loathesome, and god help you if you ask for a black coffee as "regular:" in NH, regular means with cream and sugar.

Your car or truck will rust. Period. That's why unlike out west, you see few rigs older than 6 or 7 years old.

The land is older, rounder than you are used to in California; the White Mountains can't hold a candle to the Sierra Nevada in terms of majestic splendour, but they're better than the landfill I skiied on in southern NJ back in the day.

NH lacks the Asian or Mexican influence you are used to seeing in California.

You wanna gamble? Go to southern Connecticutt, otherwise No Dice.

All in all, a conservative, well-meaning fairly closed society, comparatively speaking, where the sidewalks are rolled up early, the party people (such as they are) do NOT support house and trance music, and there is a growing meth problem.
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Old 05-09-2005, 07:29 PM   #11
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I think it might be YOU that has the growing meth problem Mr V....your rambling comments make me very happy that you decided on Oregon.You wouldn't be happy here.....everybody works....everybody speaks English
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Old 05-09-2005, 08:34 PM   #12
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Post Hey Mr. V

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. V
Years ago, I had a choice of staying in NJ (ugh), moving to NH, or moving West; I chose moving West (Portland, Oregon).

I fly east most years, and spend time on the Big Lake with family.

My bi-coastal experiences lead me to conclude as follows:

NH is nice, IF you either arrive with money, OR arrive with a readily marketable job skill; otherwise, expect rougher sledding than in other parts of the country, e.g. Pacific NW.

One difference you ("Movie Star": love that moniker) will note is that people in NH don't move nearly as often as west coasters do; this leads to a stronger sense of community and attachment, and is what lets the uniquely New England governmental entity of Town Meeting to succeed.

There are dang few places to get a good cup of coffee in NH: Black Cat in Laconia is OK, Starbucks in Manchester airport is better.

The dreck they serve in Dunkin Donuts is truly loathesome, and god help you if you ask for a black coffee as "regular:" in NH, regular means with cream and sugar.

Your car or truck will rust. Period. That's why unlike out west, you see few rigs older than 6 or 7 years old.

The land is older, rounder than you are used to in California; the White Mountains can't hold a candle to the Sierra Nevada in terms of majestic splendour, but they're better than the landfill I skiied on in southern NJ back in the day.

NH lacks the Asian or Mexican influence you are used to seeing in California.

You wanna gamble? Go to southern Connecticutt, otherwise No Dice.

All in all, a conservative, well-meaning fairly closed society, comparatively speaking, where the sidewalks are rolled up early, the party people (such as they are) do NOT support house and trance music, and there is a growing meth problem.
Next time you are here in Laconia, you have to try Rita's down at Weirs Beach, or used to be called Nothi'n Fancy.

I too lived in Califonia for six and a halve years with my family, no one knows so much about it here yet, but I can tell you that we made quite a splash from here to there in our travels..... By the way, my most favorite was Santa Barbara.... All that I can tell you is, most of us moved back East and to NH., We are a concideribly Large family of 13. Mom Dad and eleven children.

Too early about whom is where, stay tunned.

I think that you need to take a closer view, though.
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Always Remember, The Best Safety Device In The Boat, or on a PWC Snowmobile etc., Is YOU!

Safe sledding tips and much more; http://www.snowmobile.org/snowmobiling-safety.html

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Old 05-10-2005, 08:37 AM   #13
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Default Nice Area

I have been going to Weirs Beach since I was 7, I am now 24 so this summer would be my 16th year up there and there is a difference between NY and NH. The 1st difference is the people are nicer in NH they give u you a smile and they back you feel welcome, 2nd is the beautiful Lake Winni the lake is georgeous and beats any lake in Ny and probably Cali. And last is the fresh air which is cleaner than NY or Cali. I think you have made a good choice by going to the Lakes Region its a defenite adjustment from the big city but its well worth it.
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Old 05-10-2005, 11:50 AM   #14
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Default NY has Beautiful lakes

NYM3007, have you ever been to any of the lakes in the Adirondacks? While I will never put down or talk ill of Winnipesaukee in terms of beauty its hard to beat lakes like Blue Mtn Lake, Schroon Lake, Long Lake, Raquette Lake, Lake Placid just to name a few. These lakes & many others are gorgeous & in some respects I think more beautiful. These lakes & many others are not nearly as crowded as the NH lakes region & not nearly as big as Winnipesaukee(except for Champlain which is beautiful in its own right) but are peaceful & beautiful.

The Adirondack region as a whole is one of the most beautiful regions I have ever visited when comparing mountains & lakes. The region also has alot of history as far as being a destination for the rich & affluent back in the early 1900's like some of the areas in NH(maybe even more so).

Have you ever been to Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lake/June Lake all in California? They are also very beautiful & hard to beat in terms of beauty.
So while I agree that Winnipesaukee is beautiful & I love it. I would never say it beats any lake in NY or California as they also have very beautiful lakes. I would also say that the air in the Adirondacks is very clean, maybe cleaner than Winnipesaukee. It is probably further away from any major metropolitan area than Winnipesaukee is.

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Old 05-10-2005, 04:37 PM   #15
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Propeller--I couldn't agree with you more. We lived in Clifton Park NY for a few years, and we made an annual trip to Raquette Lake. I fished up at Scroon Lake, and went to Lake Placid several times. I will say I love Winnipesaukee, but that is the lake I have been going to for almost sixty years now, remembering the lake for about 45 to 50 years (started when I was an infant).

All the lakes had their own special thing that made them so beautiful and enjoyable, and that is what makes each one unique and beautiful in it's own right.

I guess the old sales tool holds true here: Don't bad mouth the competition, just tell the customer what is good about your product. We don't need to say Winni is any better than any lake anywhere, just tell what we like about our lake, and appreciate the competition when we can go there.
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Old 05-10-2005, 07:00 PM   #16
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We all have our life Lakes, oceans and Mountains world wide.
While here at Lake Winnipesaukee, if you take the time and explore from the lake, and also from the mountains and many vistas thereto, you will find a very deep likeing to any place on this Earth! This I know!

I love this place!!
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Old 05-11-2005, 11:11 AM   #17
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One question I would have before you move out here is:
Are you a winter person? If yes, you are all set, if no, your first winter may be a long one. The first snow storm of the season is always pretty and exciting, by the time the 17th snow storm rolls in and you misplaced the dog in a pile of new snow, and cannot see the house next door over the snow drifts; you may have a longing for LA. To make our winters seem that much longer is of course the changing back of the clocks, sunset in December is approx 4 PM. If you enjoy winter outdoor recreation come on out!

Winters do make spring that much more exciting, the first 45 degree day 75% of NE will have on either shorts or a tank top!
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Old 05-11-2005, 12:32 PM   #18
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Default house upstate

We have a house in Catskill Ny and yes that it also beautiful but there are more things to do at the lakes region and yes Lake Winni isnt the best place but it beats the city life by alot. I know there are many nice places and I agree maybe im over hyping weirs beach, but going there is a tradition since I was young.

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Old 05-13-2005, 10:21 AM   #19
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Default Been everywhere

My job has taken me to 45 of our 50 states and I can say that there is no place I would rather live. The people, scenery, and location are second to none.



The only other thing I would add is that there are several lakes in the area besides Big Winni that all have unique advantages, explore them all. My family and I decided that Winnisquam made more sense for us. We like water sports and floating around are willing to give up some of the size and amenities for a more quiet lake with smaller boats. To each there own.....
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